St. John’s Park came alive early Saturday as hundreds of young people, community leaders, security personnel and health advocates gathered for the fourth edition of the Olympic Health Walk under the theme “Red Means Stop.”
The event, organized by Offshore Events in partnership with the National Youth Authority, forms part of ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and intensify awareness against drug abuse among young people in the Upper East Region.
Dressed predominantly in white to symbolize peace, discipline and commitment to positive living, participants assembled as early as 5 a.m. at St. John’s Park. After a brief warm-up session and safety instructions, they embarked on a well-coordinated walk through major streets in Bolgatanga.
The route took participants from the Hospital Roundabout through Amiah Hospital Junction, Stadium Junction and Fire Service Junction before ending at Jubilee Park. Along the way, participants displayed placards reading “Say No to Drugs,” “Your Future Matters,” and “Red Means Stop.” They chanted anti-drug slogans and engaged onlookers and motorists, drawing widespread public attention to the dangers of substance abuse.
Residents along the route paused to observe the procession, with some expressing support and others briefly joining in. Beyond physical exercise, the walk served as a public declaration against growing concerns about drug abuse among young people.
At Jubilee Park, the advocacy segment continued with speeches and fitness activities. The chief executive officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, commended the youth for their strong turnout and enthusiasm. He described their participation as a clear demonstration that young people are ready to lead positive change in their communities.
He urged participants to carry the campaign message beyond the event and remember that “Red Means Stop” wherever they find themselves — at home, at work or in school — and to share the message with their peers.
The Upper East regional commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Senior Narcotics Control Officer Saeed Abdul Aziz, cautioned against drug use and trafficking. He said substance abuse can derail academic ambitions, destroy career prospects, damage health and strain family relationships.
He also outlined the legal consequences of drug-related offenses, noting that individuals caught possessing, using or trafficking narcotic substances risk arrest, prosecution and possible imprisonment under Ghanaian law. He encouraged young people to make informed decisions that safeguard their future.
The event concluded with aerobics sessions led by professional instructors, highlighting strong intergenerational participation. Children, youth, adults and older residents exercised side by side, turning Jubilee Park into a symbol of unity and shared responsibility.
Parents worked out alongside their children, youth groups danced in coordinated routines and elderly participants joined at their own pace, drawing cheers from the crowd. The scene reflected more than fitness — it underscored that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility.
As music filled the park and laughter echoed through the grounds, the fourth Olympic Health Walk ended not just as an event, but as a renewed call for community action toward building a disciplined, drug-free and healthier Upper East Region.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga
